Letter to Phuong Trang Restaurant

Manager
Phuong Trang Restaurant
4170 Convoy Street
San Diego, California 92111

Phone: (858) 565-6750

Dear Sir or Madam:

We are Pho lovers and have tried many restaurants looking for the best in San Diego. Based on what we know, we believe we found the best today when we ate at Phuong Trang.

When we walked in your restaurant, we were greeted warmly by your friendly staff and the delicious aromas coming from the kitchen. Your menu had many different types of dishes but we came for Pho. So, we ordered the Pho with rare steak (Pho Tai), along with the Vietnamese Crepe (Banh Xeo) appetizer. Waiting for our food to arrive, we saw many dishes served at other tables that we wanted to try also, so we will definitely be back. However, we were extremely happy when the large, steaming bowel of Pho arrived. I could smell the fresh cilantro first and then the savory, meaty broth. In addition to the freshly chopped cilantro, the Pho had chopped scallions and thin strips of freshly sliced white onion atop the thin rice noodles. The usual accoutrements served with our Pho were fresh and vibrant (a sprig of basil, sliced jalapeno, lemon and bean sprouts).

The broth had a nice beef flavor that was not overpowering and that was complemented by the spicy chile paste and sesame oil I added. The rice noodles were tender but firm and had taken on the great broth flavor. The crisp white onion provided a good textural contrast to the soft noodles. The cilantro and scallions added a clean, bright and herbaceous flavor to the spicy, savory beef broth.

Though we both would have been happy with just the Pho, we also loved the Vietnamese crepe. The crepe itself was buttery, crispy and light. Its filling (sliced pork, shrimp, mung beans, bean sprouts and onion) were also buttery and crunchy. On their own, the crepe and filling had a very mild flavor. However, when we wrapped the crepe in the accompanying greens (lettuce, basil and cilantro) and then dipped the wrapped crepe in the fish sauce, it was outstanding. The juxtaposition of textures was fresh, crispy and crunchy. The fish sauce’s salty sweetness complemented all of the other flavors and brought them together to make a great dish.

Your service and food have been the best of any Pho restaurant we’ve been to in San Diego. We look forward to coming back and trying other dishes, like broken rice, hot pot and seafood specials. Finally, we appreciate your generous portions and reasonable prices (our Pho with rare steak was only $5.50 and our enormous crepe was $7.50).

Yours Very Truly,

San Diego Restaurant Review


http://www.phuongtrangrestaurant.com/